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10 Best-Handling Sedans in 2018

Photo Credit: Porsche

By Colin Ryan

In this compilation of the year's 10 best-handling sedans, we won’t focus on sport sedans to the exclusion of everything else. Most people need more from their cars than just the thrill, so we’re looking at great all-rounders that also happen to be engaging. There’s even a hybrid or two.

That’s the advantage sedans have over the ubiquitous crossover. They sit lower to the ground for a more immediate feel, so driving is a more rewarding experience. Yet they can still keep consumption and emissions at tolerable levels, especially since they’re more aerodynamic than taller, boxier crossovers. To those who understand how good a sedan can be, here’s what’s fresh and fun. To crossover owners, here’s what you’re missing.

2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid

Torque vectoring. It’s a term being used more and more in relation to all-wheel drive systems. It means fine control of the speed of each wheel, either by adjusting the amount of power going to it, or subtle application of brakes. Through a turn, imagine the inside wheels going slower than the outside wheels, which would bring the car around that much quicker.

That’s what happens with the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid, whose all-wheel drive system uses a combustion engine up front and an electric motor for the rears. This well-equipped premium mid-size sedan enjoys 377 horsepower, 28 mpg combined, and a computer-controlled suspension for a remarkably sure-footed driving experience.

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia

There’s a poise and eagerness to Alfa Romeos. If anyone has had the pleasure of driving in Italy (home of Alfa Romeo), they’ll have discovered two things. One, the roads are often challenging, so a capable chassis is a necessity. And two, Italians are generally crazy about cars.

Italian car culture results not only in entertaining handling but also gorgeous styling. The star of the Giulia range is the 505-hp Quadrifoglio version, with more power than a BMW M3 and its own dedicated suspension setup. It will take corners with rare speed while holding its driver firm within well-bolstered front sport seats. But don’t overlook the regular Giulia, especially when equipped with adaptive dampers and a limited-slip rear differential.

2018 Audi RS 3

If there’s one thing better than an S version of an Audi, it’s an RS. The RS 3, based on the small A3 sedan, has the same turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine as the TT RS sports car, which brings 400 hp to the party.

Meanwhile, the RS 3's handling is enhanced by having its front track (the distance between wheels on the same axle) 1.2 inches wider than at the rear — improving the sensation of stability when scything through S-bends. An adaptive suspension is standard but, for more purist types, Audi offers an even sportier setup that isn’t adjustable. With plenty of technology, a charismatic engine, and a sharp chassis, the new-for-2018 RS 3 is an immediate winner.

2018 BMW M3

Every BMW sedan handles well, even the large and luxurious 7 Series. But the M3 is so good, so capable, so thrilling, so quick that we can't overlook it here. The M3 excels because it’s such a fine package. It has plenty of power (there are rivals with greater muscle, but 425 hp is more than enough for public roads), along with a chassis developed to contain and exploit that power.

Thanks to an adaptive suspension and selectable drive modes, the M3 can be a comfy commuter as well as a consummate corner-taker. Anyone who calls themselves a driving enthusiast should consider owning at least one M3 at some point in their lives.

2018 Ford Fusion

The mainstream sedan class is far from humble these days. The Fusion is a prime example. It was developed in Europe, where good handling is expected rather than considered a pleasant bonus. All-wheel drive, for extra traction and grip, is available in some models, while even the Hybrid and plug-in hybrid (Energi) versions have excellent driving manners.

The Fusion generally excels at being precise and controlled while still achieving high levels of comfort in the ride quality, which is fiendishly difficult to attain. For anyone looking to discover (or rediscover) some driving joy while still being able to accommodate some passengers and their stuff, the Fusion should absolutely be on their list.

2018 Jaguar XF

The suspension is one of the main reasons for buying a Jaguar XF. Well, apart from the handsome looks, aluminum-intensive construction, tuneful Meridian audio system, lusty 380-hp supercharged V6 engine (in the S model), and a luxurious air that’s unmistakably Jaguar.

The XF rides with a quality that combines suppleness with strength, smoothing out rough surfaces while retaining precision and control. One special feature to make the handling all the more satisfying is the steering feel. It uses electrical assistance, because that’s the modern way. But where other cars’ systems are often numb, the XF is tactile and informative. This alertness doesn’t detract from the car's overall splendor, but a driver can “tune in” to what the front wheels are doing.

2018 Kia Stinger GT

Yep, there’s a Kia on the same list as a BMW M3. The Stinger and M3 have more in common than a casual onlooker might surmise. Both have seen development time on the Nürburgring’s North Loop, perhaps the most daunting track in the world. If a car can get around there, it can handle anything.

Kia also brought in at least one BMW engineer to work on the chassis. Now there’s a Korean car that can hang with the Europeans when there’s some serious driving to be done. Even the steering feels good. We’re choosing the GT version because of its 365-hp twin-turbocharged V6, but the base 255-hp Stinger is still good.

2018 Mazda6

The Ford Fusion isn’t the only mainstream mid-size sedan with superb handling. Every Mazda comes with a degree or three of driver appeal and that most definitely includes the updated-for-2018 Mazda6.

The great thing about this upgrade is that the 6 now offers a gutsy 250-hp turbocharged engine that brings more opportunities to exercise the finely balanced and athletic suspension. Many buyers might think about Honda and Toyota but not really consider Mazda. They’re missing out, big time. And while we know this is subjective and has absolutely nothing to do with great handling, if there’s a better-looking contender in this class, we’ve yet to see it.

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class' 396-hp AMG E 43 variant features a well-considered balance of performance, poise, and pampering. It comes standard with a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. This is important because rear-wheel-drive is the best setup for thrills. Virtually every racing car has rear-wheel drive.

It’s all down to physics. The E43’s bias runs to 31/69 front to rear, with power redistributed within milliseconds to whichever wheels have the most traction. For the driver, there’s a feeling of complete confidence, sporty yet stable. A twisting mountain road with occasional damp sections holds no dread, as long as the tires are good and speeds are at least somewhat appropriate to the conditions.

2018 Porsche Panamera

While it's technically a hatchback, we’re calling the Porsche Panamera a sedan for our purposes because it has four doors. And it handles like no large luxury car should. But that shouldn’t surprise anyone, because this is made by Porsche, one of the few companies that can bring agility to a substantial machine.

The Panamera range spans from a rear-wheel drive version using a 330-hp turbocharged V6 to an all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid propelled by a massive 680 hp, and there isn’t a loser in the bunch. Spending large amounts of money will bring things like an adaptive air suspension and a Sport Chrono package with launch control, but even the lowliest Panamera is an object of desire, a transport of delight.